Doomed Confessionary: Lewis (AstroFuzz)
Photos by Laura Fazzani
AstroFuzz is a four-piece alternative/doom/shoegaze band based out of Melbourne, Australia. Their new self-titled album was just released on October 30th, 2024 and is available now on vinyl and digital formats.
AstroFuzz consists of Sam (guitar, vocals), Lewis (bass), John (drums) and Ellie (guitar).
Can you say a few words about your band?
We’re Astrofuzz, a doomy, gazey mixture of distorted tones and fuzz laden textures hailing from Bendigo, Australia.
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
I think that finding our signature sound and the music we truly wanted to put out into the world was the biggest challenge.
It can take time and a whole lot of messing things up in order to get it right where you want it.
What can you be most proud of so far?
The self-titled album release, for sure. It was surreal to hold a record in my hands for the first time. A physical piece of media to hold and cherish that we had a part in making was a huge joy and we all felt the same way about finally putting it out into the world for all to hear.
What was your biggest regret?
I think that most of the things we end up regretting at first all tend to be a lesson to take into the future. I don’t think that there are many things that I can truly say that we regret, each and every thing has lead us to be where I am and we’re very thankful for it.
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
Our show at Piano Bar Bendigo was a great one to remember. Both Dead and Die In A Dream were there with us and they put on a great show. So many fantastic people came out to see us and support us and it made the night a really great gig to play.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
Honestly the struggle that each and every venue is facing, especially since 2020. We just have to remember to do our best to support local venues and put on some great shows to keep the ball rolling as best we can.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
Conan, Alarms, Russian Circles, Dead, Die In A Dream and Djunah just to name a few.
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
Make what you want to make. People can tell if you’re being insincere and it rally does make a world of difference when you put your whole heart behind your work.
What are your guilty pleasures?
Flamin’ Hot Spicy Doritos. No doubt.
Can you say something more about current music scene in Melbourne?
The scene in Melbourne is absolutely fantastic! There are more bands than I can even mention that are outting on killer shows each and every week. The amount of genres, and styles is insane and there is definitely something for everyone no matter what you’re interested in. We’ve also had huge support and endless love from Trash Cult in Bendigo and all of the local Bendigo alternative scene as well! There are so many great bands here and so many legends in the community work tirelessly to put on a show when the people need it.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
We have plans to play in both Melbourne and Bendigo to promote the latest album launch but more shows are sure to come along with them!
What are your plans for the future as a band?
Keep doing what we do. We’ve sculpted and changed so much of our sound between our last releases and this album and I can’t imagine that the change and evolution will cease now. New riffs and songs are always flowing in so we will definitely keep working towards a next release in future!
Do you have any special plans for New Year’s Eve?
Not as of yet. We have multiple shows planned around the new year but nothing planned specifically for the date.
How can people best support your band?
Any support at all is appreciated. You can stream our album on your favourite streaming platform, buy a copy on Bandcamp, or order a record.
Do you have any message for your listeners?
We appreciate your support more than you can imagine and we’re so very lucky to have the chance to bring our album to life and share it with all of you. Thank you very much for your listens, your thoughts and your love on the new record.
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well